It feels strange to talk about romance right now. Living in the Twin Cities, the reality of injustice is not just a news cycle for us; it is happening every single day to our neighbors. We originally planned to talk politics, but sometimes, you need a break. You need to remind yourself that joy is part of the fight, too.

So, for this Valentine’s Day episode of Wonder in the Weeds, we decided to switch gears. We are talking about the moments that make us swoon specifically, our favorite movie and TV kisses. But we aren’t just talking about chemistry; we are talking about respect, the “female gaze,” and why the best on-screen partners are often the ones you’d actually want to hang out with.

The Gold Standard: New Girl’s Nick & Jess

If we are talking about the greatest TV kisses of all time, we have to start with Nick and Jess from New Girl—specifically, the trench coat scene.

You know the one. Nick is wearing a woman’s trench coat he accidentally opened, and the buildup is excruciating. Throughout the episode, they are playing a game where they refuse to kiss, but in this moment, there is no game. It’s not slick; it’s urgent. The way he holds her, the way his hand travels up her arm—it’s a specific kind of passion that feels incredibly real.+

The “Meeting of the Minds”: Parks and Rec

Another favorite is Ben and Leslie from Parks and Recreation. What makes them special is that they are two “hyper-intelligent” and “deeply strange” people who are fiercely supportive of one another.

There is a scene where they are listening to a mixtape in Leslie’s office, and Ben asks for “one more song”. The tension is palpable as they almost kiss but have to pull apart. It works because you know these two aren’t just physically attracted to each other; they are obsessed with each other’s brains.

The Wonder: Community in Action

We always end with The Wonder, and this week it is happening right outside our doors. The way the Minneapolis community has organized is unlike anything we have ever seen.

Amidst the protests, there is an intricate web of neighbors feeding neighbors. Establishments like the Modern Times Cafe have gone completely free, providing food and drink to the community and keeping their staff paid. It isn’t nihilistic here; it is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, there will be “singing about the dark times”.

Listen to the full episode of Wonder in the Weeds for more on Moonstruck, My Lady Jane, and why we think falling in love with your best friend is the best trope of all.